Higher bills: Duke Energy holding public meeting in Durham on proposed energy rate hikes

Duke Energy customers across the state will have a chance to share their thoughts about a possible increase to their power bills.

The public will have a chance to speak directly to state regulators about possible Duke Energy rate hikes on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at a public hearing at the Durham County Courthouse.

The hearing, originally scheduled for last month, was postponed. 

Electric bills in North Carolina have already gone up about 22% since 2020, and Duke Energy is asking state regulators for approval to raise rates again. 

A power bill could increase up to 18% over the next two years if the request is approved, which means the average customer would pay $34 more a month by 2028.

According to Duke Energy, the increase is needed to pay for growth, which includes new residents and large energy users like data centers. 

The utility company explains it must invest more money on the front end to save money on the back end for customers. 

However, the North Carolina Environmental Justice Network is pushing back.

"Economically that doesn’t really work, because we also know that the dollar tomorrow is worth less than the dollar today," said Rania Masri. "And we know that, right now in North Carolina, every single family needs that money today. We are facing increased living costs, increased healthcare costs, increased food costs, and increased gasoline costs."

Masri is urging regulators to "make sure utility rates do not increase. That is essential. To make sure that Duke Energy itself pays for its own infrastructure and does not put the burden on North Carolina citizens."